Connemara is, for many, the very best of what Ireland has to offer, in one place. The people, pubs, restaurant and, of course, some of the most spectacular scenery. This 7 day soft adventure tour includes all accommodation, breakfasts, etc and, of course, all activities, like sea kayaking, trout fishing and horse riding. All of this with some of the best tour guides in the business. Surely a once-in-a-lifetime adventure !
Arrival location:
Molly Malone, Suffolk Street, Dublin
Departure Location:
Molly Malone, Suffolk Street, Dublin
Included in your experience:
• 7 full days of pure adventure
• The best and friendliest guides in the business.
• All your tour transport for 7 days
• 6 hearty Irish breakfasts
• Bike hire in Roundstone
• BodhranFactory
• InisbofinFerry
• Connemara Pony Trek
• Kayak along KillaryFjord
• Mountain Sheep farm visit
• Mt Mweelreahike
• KylemoreAbbey entry
• Beach BBQ
• TullamoreDew Whiskey Experience
Not included in your experience:
• Lunches, evening meals, drinks
• Travel insurance
• Seaweed Baths - Optional Ex - €35
Required Equipment:
Climate
Ireland has a temperate climate and can be changeable. Our wonderful green landscape doesn't come without a
sprinkle of rain once in a while! In general the summers are warm with the hottest months being July and August.
Winters are cool and the lowest temperatures are recorded during January and February. Whatever the season it is
advisable to prepare for rain.
Gear & Equipment
Here are some essentials that we would suggest to bring on tour ; Comfortable waterproof walking boots; Waterproof
jacket & over trousers; At least 2 pairs of comfortable walking trousers and breathable tops ; Day pack 25L will do ;
Gaiters and walking poles ( personal choice but recommended ) ; Thick socks , hat and gloves ; Water bottle &
lunch box ; Sunscreen & insect repellent....and don’t forget your camera !
* Rental equipment is availabel, see 'Additional activities' for details
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Day1
Day 1. - Dublin to Roundstone
Once you depart from Dublin city, your tour will travel across the country to the wild west where your begin your adventure. After a short stop along the way, you will stop in the bohemian city of Galway. This city is one of our favourite places and holds a fascinating mix of buskers, craft stalls and street performers to entertain you while you are there. Afterwards you will arrive at the village of Roundstone. Once you check into your accommodation and freshen up, we'll get you on a bike and take in some fresh sea air and beautiful views of the surrounding area. On your return, you will visit the world famous Bodhran factory. A bodhran is an ancient Irish drum and you can see this age old, handcrafted instrument being made with skillful hands.
Highlight of the day: Bike Ride around Roundstone
Overnight : Roundstone
Restaurant Suggestion: VaughansRestaurant
Roundstone
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Day2
Day 2. Inisbofin Island
After your breakfast, you'll strap your hiking boots on and we'll travel to Inisbofin Island from Cleggan. The drive there is spectacular and the boat ride to the island is even better. After some lunch upon arrival, we'll begin our hike around the island and view its many birds, wild flowers and seal colonies along the route. The island is 5 miles off the Galway coast and is home to many white sandy beaches and coves. Maybe we'll take a dip along the way, if it takes our fancy.
Highlight of the day: Inishbofin Island walk
Overnight: Roundstone
Restaurant Suggestion: The Bogbean Cafe
Roundstone | Breakfast Included
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Day3
Day 3. Connemara National Park
The Connemara Pony is known worldwide as a breed that is hardy, handsome and strong like the landscape they were born into. You'll be brought on a pony trek through Connemara's beautiful countryside. In the afternoon you will be taken to a real working mountain sheep farm. After a tour of the farm, the farmer will give you a sheep dog demonstration. Watch the skill of the farmer, as well as the sheep dog as he rounds the flock up in a matter of minutes. The farmer will then teach you the ancient art of turf cutting. Turf is a natural fuel source cut from the ground and then dried.
Highlight of the day: Mountain Sheep Farm Visit
Overnight : Leenane Village
Restaurant Suggestion : Blackberry Cafe
Leenane Village | Breakfast Included
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Day4
Day 4. Hike Up Mt Mweelrea
This morning, you will begin your assent of the highest mountain in Connemara called 'Mweelrea'. Once you have made the summit, at a height of 814 meters, you will have the best view of Killary Harbour and of the entire Connemara National Park. It is truly a spectacular sight from the top and one that you'll never forget (unless it's cloudy of course!). After all your hard work today, there is only one way to unwind and relax and that's with Leenan's world famous Connemara seaweed baths. A seaweed bath is hot seawater over fresh seaweed harvested from the bay. This has all sorts of health benefits not the least of which being its best for those who want to detox, de-stress and re-fresh !
Highlight of the day: Hike up Mt Mweelrea– Connemara’s Highest Mountain
Overnight: Leenane Village
Restaurant Suggestion: Hamilton's Bar
Leenane Village | Breakfast Included
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Day5
Day 5. Kylemore Abbey
You will have been looking at Killary Harbour for the last day or so and now it's time to get in! You will kayak along the deepest water inlet in Europe, where U-boats used to hide during World War II. Killary harbour is also one of only two fjords in Ireland, which holds a huge mussel farm industry. Afterwards we will visit Kylemore Abbey, a romantic castle built by Mitchell Henry for his wife in 1867. It sits among a beautiful mountainous landscape on the edge of lake Pollacapaill and presents a fairytale sight.
Renvyle is one of those hidden gems in Connemara, especially its beach where we will dine tonight. A camp fire and beach BBQ will be set up and you can relax on the beach, listen to the waves crash and gaze at the stars to finish a jam packed day of adventure and culture!
Highlight of the day: Kayak along Killary Fjord
Overnight : Leenane Village
Restaurant Suggestion: Blackberry Cafe
Leenane Village | Breakfast Included
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Day6
Day 6. The Inagh Valley Walk - Connemara
Today, we will be taking a walk through the Maumturk Mountains. The walk is called the Maunméan walk and it is spectacular. You will walk through a gap in the mountain range and down to the Inagh Valley, where you will find Inage lodge, a wonderful oasis where you can have some lunch or a pint after your walk. We will stay in Leenane again tonight.
Highlight of the day: The Inagh Valley Walk
Overnight: Leenane
Restaurant Suggestion: Leenane Hotel
Leenane | Breakfast Included
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Day7
Day 7. Tullamore Dew & Return to Dublin
Sadly, we must leave our beloved Connemara and head back to the capital. On the way back, we have one more surprise up our sleeve. The Irish are world famous for our whiskey making. Whiskey was born in Ireland and Tullamore Dew is one of Ireland's many world famous brands. Before we return to Dublin, you will visit their newly refurbished visitors centre where you can learn all about the secrets of whiskey making. You arrive back in Dublin and sadly, we must say our goodbyes for now. You will leave Ireland with newly formed friendships and memories that will last a lifetime !
Highlight of the day: Tullamore Whiskey Experience
End of Services : Thank You !
| Breakfast Included